Volume 8, Issue 1 — January 15, 2014
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The Skill Set
By Joel Rollins rAVe Columnist
Happy New Year, readers! Last month’s column left our hero (yours truly, since I’m writing this) promising to explore the skill set required for the successful rental and staging technician. It’s quite a list, starting with a firm understanding of how things work in the physical world, and this month moving on to include interpersonal skills that make it easier to get the job done. Plus, some extra special wish list items. Ready? Here we go:
Mathematics
Can you do math? Can you do math in your head? The answer should be yes to both, because as a tech, you’re not only going to have to figure voltage, dimensions and aspect ratios, you’re also going to have to figure them out on the fly, if you don’t plan on blowing circuits, overloading speakers or dropping large weights on people’s heads. Rental and staging techs should understand that measurements and standards are more than approximations.
Physics
A grasp of the fundamentals of physics is the single skill that will save an AV tech the most time and heartache, as it will save time wasted attempting the impossible. There are some realities of the physical world you can’t ignore, among them the laws of energy, light and sound, of course, and the effects of gravity. An AV tech has to know what will work in a space, what won’t, and what will happen if the issue is forced. Same with rigging — what will hold, what won’t, and what will happen when the chips fall.
AV techs don’t need advanced degrees in math or physics, but they do need to respect the fixed aspects of the rental and staging environment, in the same way that a trapeze artist, undersea diver or arctic explorer respects reality. Without at least a fundamental grasp of math and physics, prospects shouldn’t start a career in this industry. At best, they will develop some level of rote capability, but can never lead. Which means at best, they are limited in terms of advancement potential. At worst, they can (and do) kill people.
Reference Skills
Every AV tech should know a good librarian. Barring that, every AV tech should know where to look up standards, capacities, and regulations. They should also not be adverse to using online help, and when all else fails, as they say, be prepared to read the manual.
Digital Technology and Networking
Once you have a grasp of the physical world and how it works as part of an audio/video/data communications system, you need to learn how the system communicates and how information enters and leaves it. And we might as well face the fact that the future is ALL about the network. The ability to create “islands” for audio visual, or systems on their own separate networks is as dead as the proverbial doornail. And so is the concept that we are AV specialists who get the networking covered by “working with” a network specialist outside our crew. Certainly, in large networks there will be an over-arching IT presence, but they will increasingly (and rightly) expect that we know how to integrate into the overall network based on their intended structure (which will require that we be fully fluent in their language) and that we be able to troubleshoot and resolve any issues without asking for too much help. And this is especially true of staging, where we will be responsible to quickly make a temporary system function with their media and information infrastructure. Personally, I don’t believe AV can continue as a separate art that operates in parallel with IT.
Communication
None of your company’s ideas or designs are any good if you can’t communicate them to your colleagues and clients. And though often the show is already sold by the time an AV tech meets the client, the challenge of communication continues into set up, rehearsal, execution and strike. An ace AV tech will be fluent in “co-worker,” and “client.” Communication with co-workers includes planning, production, and troubleshooting. With clients, it’s the same, with an extra layer of…
Diplomacy
It is so important to remember that you’re a guest in the client’s house. If anyone gets to be territorial, it’s the client. But let’s assume you’re both on your best behavior. An AV tech’s approach to any client questions or complaints should be informative and constructive. Ironically, when a client knows you’ve got his back, his need to fiddle with the show disappears. (OK, I’m being diplomatic here.)
Now the Wish List:
Clairvoyance
Remember the time when, after three days of rigging, you found out that the client would be hanging banners between your projectors and the screens? Or that the VP had invited a whole other department, and the audience size had doubled? Or the classic, “we rewrote the script last night?”
Invisibility
Of all the skills I wish I could perfect, this is the one. Usually, the need arises when somebody has produced a real turkey, and you feel every eye in the audience converge on you at the control table.
Time Travel
One of my favorite movies is a great comedy called “Galaxy Quest.” A mysterious alien technological device called the “Omega 13″ plays a prominent role when it is revealed to be a time machine capable of setting the clock back 13 seconds just one time. When a crewman asks what possible use that could be, the Captain replies, “It would be time enough to redeem a single mistake.” Truer words were never spoken, and most of us can remember that mis-cue that made us wish for the power of the Omega 13.
Have thoughts on this list? Or the design for the Omega 13?
Post them in the comments section for this post. Leave a Comment
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Christie to Introduce Q Series Projectors at ISE 2014 Christie will introduce at ISE 2014 in Amsterdam a new series of 1-chip DLP projectors with the new Christie Q Series. The Christie Q Series 1-chip DLP platform has brightness options ranging from 8,500 to 10,000 lumens and XGA, WXGA and WUXGA resolutions. These projectors are designed for rental and staging applications, such as concerts or conventions.
Usable in either single or dual-lamp mode, Christie Q Series is equipped with eClarity, which is Christie’s advanced image processing, which the company says significantly enhances images by providing greater control over image sharpness, gloss and shading. Christie eClarity delivers increased image clarity of standard definition content – making images stand out more than ever. With built-in High Dynamic Contrast Range (HDCR), image ‘washout’ in high ambient light conditions is eliminated.
More information about the Q Series is here. Leave a Comment
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PreSonus Ships StudioLive AI-series PA Loudspeakers PreSonus is now shipping its new StudioLive AI-series (Active Integration) Loudspeakers — the new line includes the full-range StudioLive 312AI, 315AI, and 328AI and the StudioLive 18sAI subwoofer.
StudioLive AI-series speakers incorporate Fulcrum Acoustics’ TQ Temporal Equalization algorithms that supposedly eliminate horn reflections and to correct linear time and amplitude anomalies in coaxial systems. Collaborating with Fulcrum Acoustics’ co-founder Dave Gunness, PreSonus software designers incorporated custom TQ algorithms with dynamics processing, FFT tools, and performance monitoring into the onboard DSP.
Each full-range, powered, three-way loudspeaker relies on a custom-designed, CoActual 8-inch coaxial speaker with a 1.75-inch titanium compression driver to reproduce the mid and high frequencies. Triamplified, Class D power amplifiers in each model deliver a combined spec’d 2,000 watts of power.
The StudioLive 312AI includes a 12-inch ferrite speaker to handle low-frequency reproduction, while the 315AI employs a 15-inch woofer, and the StudioLive 328AI has dual 8-inch ferrite speakers.
Each full-range system has a combo XLR/TRS line input and an XLR microphone input with an XMAX Class A mic preamplifier and 12V phantom power, as well as an XLR audio throughput. The full-range speaker systems are pole-mountable and have side handles, interlocking stacking, and M10 fly points. All enclosures are of plywood construction.
Three operation modes allow the user to choose DSP presets for their application, such as MP3 playback, live performance or stage monitoring. Users can also create a custom preset using SL Room Control and store it onboard for use later.
The 1000-watt StudioLive 18sAI is a powered, 18-inch ferrite subwoofer designed to match the full-range StudioLive AI speakers. It includes stereo line inputs (XLR/¼-inch combo) and full-range stereo line outputs (XLR) with a switchable, low-cut crossover.
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Epson Introduces EX5230 Pro Portable Projector With 3,500 LumensEpson’s new EX5230 Pro projector offers 3,500 lumens of color light output (and 3,500 lumens of white light output), automatic vertical keystone correction and a horizontal slide control bar for image correction. The 3LCD projector also has HDMI connectivity, wireless projection (PC and MAC) and instant on and off (with no cool down time).
The native XGA resolution (1024×768) projector includes a 6,000-hour lamp (using a 200-watt UHE) and includes a throw ratio of 1.48 – 1.77:1 (zoom). Inputs include HDMI, VGA and component, as well as the company’s wireless projection technology (iProjection), which can project via Android, iOS, Windows PC or a Mac.
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Marshall Launches 3U High Dual 7″ Rack Mount LCD Monitors Marshall’s new M-LYNX-702 is comprised of two 7″ LCD monitors (both 1024×600 resolution) in a 3U rack mount enclosure. Inputs include HDMI, 3GSDI with loop-through (auto selects HDSDI/SDI), component and composite with loop-through. Features include selectable markers, 1:1 pixel mapping, overscan and H/V delay modes, Picture in Picture, audio de-embedding and monitoring via front panel headphone jacks, built-in LED tally indicators (Red, Green, Yellow) and power using included 12-volt supply or use standard 4-pin XLR.
Marshall is marketing this as an economical solution for control rooms, routing rooms and meeting room rack systems for in-rack monitoring of signals. Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
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Meyer Sound Introduces Galileo Callisto 616 AES Primary Array ProcessorThe new Meyer Sound Galileo Callisto 616 AES primary array processor is a designed for driving and aligning Meyer Sound loudspeaker array systems.
The 2U, rack-mounted Callisto 616 AES includes six inputs, 16 digital outputs with eight mirrored analog outputs, and a full digital matrix processor. Working in tandem with the Compass control software, Callisto 616 AES is optimized to be a mastering tool that makes it easier to manage loudspeaker systems and shape overall system response. The U-Shaping equalization comprises five bands with adjustable slopes, widths, and gain. Five bands of complementary phase parametric filters are available on each output. An additional five bands of parametric filters and standard TruShaping equalization are available on each input.
Additional features include delay integration for automatic alignment of Meyer Sound line arrays, and atmospheric correction to maintain high frequency response regardless of changes in temperature and humidity.
To assume impeccable sonic performance for analog audio signals, Callisto 616 AES employs A-D-A conversion with 24-bit resolution at 96 kHz sampling. Internal processing is at 96 kHz with 32-bit floating point resolution. Latency is fixed across all output channels regardless of processing applied and dedicated connectors are provided for integration of Meyer Sound’s SIM 3 audio analyzer.
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Extron Ships Universal XTP Transmitter for Multi-Format Analog VideoExtron has announced the immediate availability of the XTP T VGA, a universal XTP transmitter that sends multi-format analog video, audio, bidirectional RS232 and IR control, as well as Ethernet up to 330 feet (100 meter) over a single CATx cable. The transmitter digitizes incoming analog formats, providing signal extension of RGBHV, HD component video, S-video and composite video signals from remote analog sources for high performance transmission. It supports computer-video to 1920×1200, including HDTV 1080p/60. To simplify integration, the XTP transmitter provides VGA loop-through for source monitoring and can be powered over the same CATx cable.
The XTP T VGA offers a range of audio transmission and control options. It has the capability of embedding separate analog stereo audio into the output stream, reducing the number of cable runs to the destination. The transmitter also features audio input gain and attenuation control plus volume adjustment, helping to minimize noticeable volume differences when switching between sources in XTP Systems. For managing control of source devices, an RS232 and IR insertion port on the transmitter simplifies integration with a control system.
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Kramer Intros VP-794 Live Events Scaler, First Product Released as Part of Calibre UK PartnershipAt ISE, Kramer will introduce the first model in its new professional and events range, the VP-794, which is the first product to come out of its recent partnership with Calibre UK. The VP-794 multi-input scaler is designed for scaling, scan conversation, professional edge-blend and warping of video content on to projection and LED video wall displays as well as for general purpose events and broadcast scaling. The VP-794 can be switched between LED, projection or scaler/scan converter modes, greatly appealing to rental and staging providers as it permits a single model to be held in an inventory.
The VP-794 is based on Calibre UK’s HQView architecture, optimized for low latency scaling to arbitrary active image sizes. The VP-794 features powerful dual-processor architecture with 16-bit professional-grade blend processing with de-gamma, post-warp blending for optimal blend and warp performance and curved screen warping. It can capture a live image for display as a still, for example a customer logo screen or backdrop, which the device can scale, warp and blend this captured image.
It VP-794 offers per input channel RGB, brightness/contrast/saturation/hue controls, including on digital and computer graphics inputs. Video inputs include HDMI, DVI, VGA, component, composite and YC/S-video, as well as 3G-SDI inputs and separate genlock. Audio pass-through and de-embed is achieved from 3G-SDI and HDMI to 3G-SDI, HDMI and SPDIF. The VP-794 has a built-in test pattern generator including SMPTE bars, pluge, aspect ratio test, greyscale as well as custom downloadable test patterns that are accessible via Web browser interface.
With ease of use in mind, the rack-mountable VP-794 has front panel LCD menu with a jog-shuttle wheel for fast setup. Remote control over a network takes advantage of a built-in Web server.
The VP-794 will be shown for the first time on Kramer’s stand at ISE 2014, which will be held in early February at the Amsterdam RAI. For more information on the VP-794, click here. Leave a Comment
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Digital Projection Intros 12,000 Lumen Laser ProjectorDigital Projection will launch a new 12,000-lumen laser version of its HIGHLite line of projectors at the Integrated Systems Europe trade show in Amsterdam next month. Like most solid-state lighting devices, it’s spec’d at 20,000 hours and offers WUXGA resolution (1920×1200).
This is only the industry’s third laser projector — the other two are from Barco and Sony.
Features will include edge blending, 3D capability, refresh rates up to 144Hz, two HDMI 1.4 inputs, a DVI and a 3G-SDI inputs, as well as HDBaseT connectivity and lens options range from 0.77:1 to 6.76:1.
DPI will show the projector in Stand C88 at ISE 2014 and more details will be here. Leave a Comment
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CAD Audio Debuts New 1600 Series UHF Wireless MicsCAD Audio launched this week the new StagePass 1600 Series UHF wireless system. The new StagePass provides 100-channel frequency UHF operation and is integrated with CAD’s own ScanLink technology (for auto scan, select and link to the optimum channel in any RF environment). Other features include something they are calling True Diversity that apparently cuts down on multipath interference along with CADLock Automatic Tone Encoded Squelch that eliminates unauthorized transmissions in the signal path.
The 1600 systems are available as the WX1600 Handheld System, a WX1610 Bodypack System featuring the Equitek E19 Broadcast and Production miniature condenser earworn mic, as well as a Cardioid Lav and Guitar Cable. StagePass TX1600 handheld TX1610 body pack transmitters have soft touch multi-function On-Off/Mute/Low Battery/ScanLink status switches with multi-color LED indicators. The WX1600 receiver is housed in a metal chassis with ¼” and XLR outputs and specs include a Frequency Response of 40Hz–15KHz, and Dynamic Range >105dB.
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Kramer Intros DVI Fiber Optic Transmitter and Receiver SetsKramer introduced this month the new 614T/R detachable fiber optical transmitter and receiver set, which sends and receives single link DVI signals with resolutions of up to 1920×1200 at 60 Hz, over one multimode fiber optic cable with SC connectors. The company also introduced the 616T/R detachable fiber optic transmitter and receiver set for sending and receiving dual link DVI signals with resolutions of up to WQXGA (2560×1600 @60Hz) or WQUXGA (3840×2400 @33Hz vertical refresh rate) over duplex multimode fiber optic cable with two LC connectors.
Kramer says that both pairs of transmitters and receivers operate up to a range of 1,640 feet (500 meters) and feature EDID capture on the transmitter side that copies and stores the EDID from a display device. They also support the DVI 1.0 specification.
These aren’t on the Kramer website yet, but you can see the news release here. Leave a Comment
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Intelix Intros New FLX Series Matrix Switcher With HDBaseTLiberty AV Solutions’ Intelix group has launched a four-input, four-output HDMI/HDBaseT matrix switcher dubbed the FLX-44. The FLX-44 features four HDMI inputs and four HDBaseT outputs with mirrored HDMI ports on outputs 1 and 2. The FLX-44 includes HDBaseT transmission chips to reach 70 meters (230 feet) over a single Cat6 or greater cable, and includes PoE (Power over Ethernet) to power the remote extender, such as the DIGI-HD60C-R. Intelix claims the FLX-44 has the bandwidth to allow Deep Color, full 3D and up to 7.1 multichannel audio to be routed to any output.
The FLX-44 can be controlled via the front panel, local or remote IR, RS232, Ethernet or via a Web browser and it’s spec’d to support bidirectional wideband IR, which allows the matrix to pass IR signals from the matrix to the display and/or vice versa. Each output supports RS232 tunneling through the HDBaseT extender. RS232 commands to remote displays can also be embedded in the control stream through the matrix from both the RS232 and Ethernet control ports, which will reduce the number of serial ports required for the control system. The extensive variety of control options makes the FLX-44 an easily accessible and extremely flexible matrix for any control system.
Each output of the iU rack-mountable FLX-44 also features analog audio outputs to feed the audio stream to audio amplifiers or DSPs. Each input of the matrix has the ability to have the HDCP compliance flag turned off, which will allow a non-HDCP encrypted signal to pass clearly to a video conferencing system.
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Panasonic Adds New Toughpad 7-Inch Tablet With Windows 8.1 ProToday at CES, Panasonic introduced the latest member of its Toughpad family of rugged, enterprise-grade tablets. The Toughpad FZ-M1 is Panasonic’s thinnest and lightest rugged 7-inch fanless tablet with a 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor. Running Windows 8.1 Pro, the Toughpad FZ-M1 can be easily incorporated into enterprise and government environments. With a broad range of configuration options available, it can be customized to meet the unique needs of highly mobile professionals in various markets such as field services and sales, retail, supply chain and logistics and government.
At 1.2 lbs. and only 0.7” thin for the standard configuration, the Toughpad FZ-M1 is tested to meet MIL-STD-810G specifications for drops (up to 5 feet), shock, vibration, altitude, humidity and extreme temperatures, as well as IP65 standards for rain and dust. Panasonic also told us that the tablet has also been submitted for ANSI 12.12.1 certification (Class1, Div2) for use in incendiary environments.
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For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe Rental [and Staging] Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100 percent opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the ProAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
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A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue, which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe [Publications] has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
Everything we publish is Opt-in — we spam NO ONE! rAVe ProAV Edition is our flagship ePublication with what we believe is a reach of virtually everyone in the ProAV market. rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA and launched in February 2004, is, by far, the largest ePub in the HomeAV market. We added rAVe Rental [and Staging] in November 2007, rAVe ED [Education] in May 2008 and then rAVe DS [Digital Signage] in January 2009. We added rAVe GHGav [Green, Healthcare & Government AV] in August 2010 and rAVe HOW [House of Worship] in July 2012. You can subscribe to any of those publication or see ALL our archives by going to: https://www.ravepubs.com
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